Mevagissey Harbour Aquarium

Overview

The Mevagissey Harbour Aquarium is a charitable organization located in Mevagissey, Cornwall, operating as a part of the Mevagissey Harbour Trust. It is registered under the charity number 800950. The aquarium serves as a key educational resource by showcasing the diverse marine life found in the waters around Mevagissey.

Purpose and Activities

The primary purpose of the Mevagissey Harbour Aquarium is to provide educational insights into the local marine ecosystem, thereby bridging the gap between the fishing industry and the general public. The aquarium focuses on raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation and the impact of fishing activities on local wildlife. It operates by showcasing a variety of species native to the area, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Mevagissey's marine environment.

History

The aquarium is housed in the old Royal National Lifeboat Institution (R.N.L.I.) lifeboat house, which was completed in 1897. Initially used for lifeboats until 1930, the building has had various uses over the years, including a café, shop, and even a gun emplacement during World War II. It began operating as an aquarium in the mid-1950s and has remained a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

Operations and Funding

Entry to the aquarium is free, although donations are appreciated to support its ongoing operations and contribute to the maintenance of Mevagissey Harbour. The aquarium receives no direct government funding and operates entirely on donations and charitable contributions. As a charity trust port, any surplus funds are used for the benefit of stakeholders and the local community.

Seasonal Opening

The Mevagissey Harbour Aquarium opens annually from late May to the end of October, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the local marine life during the peak tourist season.

[1] https://www.mevagisseyharbour.co.uk/aquarium/ [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/800950 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/800950/contact-information [4] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/mevagissey-harbour-aquarium [5] https://accidentallywesanderson.com/places/mevagissey-aquarium/